Investing in Infrastructure

Making the Gas Tax Fund, which will be $2 billion in 2009–10, a permanent measure, allowing municipalities to better plan and finance their long-term infrastructure needs.

Setting aside up to $500 million to support capital investments in public transit.

Announcing the establishment of PPP Canada Inc. to support public-private partnerships.

Supporting People in Need With:

$110 million to the Mental Health Commission of Canada to support innovative demonstration projects to develop best practices to help Canadians facing mental-health and homelessness challenges.

$282 million over this and the next two years to expand the Veterans Independence Program to support the survivors of veterans.

Investing in the Health and Safety of Canadians With:

$113 million over two years to support Canada’s Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan.

$33 million over two years to ensure greater safety of natural health products.

$25 million over two years to provide Canadians with better information on the links between pollution and illness.

New tax compliance and enforcement measures to reduce the availability of contraband tobacco products.

The broadening of the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

A Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) exemption to help individuals cope with disabilities or disorders, such as autism, and an expanded list of GST/HST-free medical and assistive devices.